Leinster SHC: Galway come good in second half

Galway will renew their rivalry with Kilkenny in next month's Leinster SHC final after producing a dominant second half display to see off a gutsy Offaly challenge at a wet and windy O'Moore Park.

Despite having their captain Colin Egan sent off late in the opening half, the underdogs held a 1-7 to 1-6 lead at the interval. But making the most of their numerical advantage and the elements after the break, Galway - who also finished the game with 14 men after Conor Cooney was dismissed 11 minutes from time - streaked clear for what was a comfortable win in the end.

The Faithful, who have been revitalised in recent weeks following their disastrous defeat to Westmeath in their opening game in the round-robin series at the beginning of May, made a dream start when Joe Bergin netted after just 15 seconds. Shane Dooley and wing back Dermot Mooney followed up with points to leave them 1-2 to 0-0 in front after just four minutes.

Galway, who had looked so sharp in their quarter-final rout of the Lake County, were level by the 13th minute thanks to points from Joe Canning and Conor Cooney and a goal from Niall Burke.

James Mulrooney and Dooley replied with points for Offaly before they were dealt a major blow in the 27th minute when Egan received a straight red card from referee Colm Lyons for a challenge on Fergal Moore. Cooney and Canning (free) brought the Tribesmen level again before Dooley gave the underdogs the narrowest of leads at the interval.

A Cooney goal three minutes after the restart gave Galway a lead they never looked like relinquishing. With the wind behind them, they had extended their lead to nine points before a Dooley penalty in the 57th minute reduced the margin to six.

Despite having Cooney sent off, Galway sealed the place in the Leinster final on July 3 with late points from Cyril Donnellan and Canning.